£43,000 awarded for new employability programme in Newry

An investment of £43,000 for an employability programme has been awarded to several Northern Ireland towns and cities by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, with Newry being one of the selected cities.

The programme aims to offer 50 participants a tailored programme in health care, personal development and job skills which will lead to a level 2 qualification in Adult Social Care, with a potential placement at a community based Hospice also on offer. The programme is set to work with another programme known as ‘Hospice Goes To Home’, which aims to deliver more cancer care to patients in their homes.

Speaking about the programme, the Social Development Minister said, “This is a unique and innovative project which will not only offer training and employment opportunities for 50 participants but will also allow those cancer patients who express a desire to be treated in their own homes to receive this service.”

Minister McCausland continued: “This project will bring about a range of benefits for residents of the five Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. It is an excellent example of partnership working. I would pay tribute to all those involved in its development and wish the participants every success as they embark on the training programme.’

The Newry based Southern Hospice has also offered to place at least 20 successful participants of the programme on its duty register when they complete their training.